Looking for Insurance Coverage for Acupuncture?
Hello, 
 
This is for current  or former acupuncture patients who we thought would be interested in seeing insurance cover acupuncture in Massachusetts. 

If so, we ask that you make a quick call to your state representative.  These calls do make a difference in outcomes of bills as Dorene was told first hand that the calls made this past May furthered the Bill for approval to the next step.  That next step is where the bill lies now, and more calls need to be made to help it along.

Bill H3972 is just about ready to go on to the floor of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for a vote. Here is the full H3972. 

In order to increase the chances for acupuncture insurance reimbursement, please call your State Representative in the next few days.

To contact your State House Representative put in your zip code:
 
(Even if your representative is in full support of the bill as Kate Hogan is in 3rd Middlesex district we were told the calls make a difference as it tells her how hard to fight for it).
 
Ask them to contact the Speaker's office and the Committee on Ways and Means to request that the bill be released from committee for a floor vote before the legislative session ends on July 31st. 

If you want a script:  
"Hello, my name is _______________  and I receive acupuncture as I find it beneficial for my health. (use your own wording here)   I live in your district and calling to voice my suepport for H3972 - An Act Relative to the Practice of Acupuncture.  Acupuncture is a safe, effective and cost-saving treatment for a number of conditions.  I have personally seen the benefits of acupuncture and it can be used without the potential of negative side effects of conventional treatment options.
I am asking __________(name of legislator) to contact the Speaker's office and the Committee on Ways and Means to request that Bill H3972 be released from committee for a floor vote before the current legislative session ends
The bill in its current form seeks to accomplish the following goals:
 1.      Prompt the Department of Public Health to convene a special commission to investigate the effective integration of acupuncture and oriental medicine into new practice models and payment methodologies under health care reform;
2.      Ensure that my insurance covers acupuncture treatments"

Some facts:
  • The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individual states mandate the minimum required coverage for insurance plans.  5 states now require acupuncture coverage for all insurance companies.
  • Some states that do not have a mandate have a high % of insurance coverage such as Florida and California.
  • In neighboring VT, NH, ME, RI one of the biggest insurers (BCBS) has acupuncture preferred providers and the majority of their plans cover acupuncture.

Thank you for the consideration.

Dorene

-- 
Dorene Bowe-Shulman, Lic.Ac., M.Ac.
 Licensed Acupuncturist
 Faculty, New England School of Acupuncture
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